Size: Bear species can really
vary in size. The smallest species
of bears is called sun bears. The
Polar bear and the Kodiak bear are
the largest bear species. Polar bears
tend to be taller while Kodiak bears
tend to be heavier.

Senses: All bears have an
excellent sense of smell. Most species
of bears have good vision and hearing.

Habitat: Bears are found
throughout the world. They are mostly
found in the northern hemisphere,
with only a single species, the spectacled
bear found in South America. The Atlas
Bear, a subspecies of the Brown Bear,
is the only bear native to Africa.
All the other bear species are found
in North America, Asia and Europe.

Diet: Bears are omnivorous,
which means they eat plants and animals.

Description: Bears have a
robust body, short legs, small round
ears, short tail, and a snout that
protrudes. Bears have a thick, shaggy
coat of fur.

Polar Bear
Conservation Status: 6 of 8
bear species are classified as vulnerable
or endangered

Grizzly Bears

Giant Panda Bears

Behavior: Some bear species spend
all or part of the winter months in a state
of sleep, where they do not eat, urinated,
or defecate. Despite what many people think
in general bears are diurnal, active for
the most part, during the day. Bears are
curious and intelligent creatures.

Birth: Female bears give birth
to litters of one to four cubs (depending
on their species). Bear cubs are 7-25
ounces at birth depending on the species.

Did You Know?

Black bear
cubs are generally born in
January. As a result sometimes
the full moon in January is
referred to as the ‘bear moon'.

Gestation: The gestation can vary
from bear species to species, bears can be
pregnant for 3-8.5 months.

Cubs: Most bear species give birth
to cubs that are born completely helpless.

Sexual Maturity: The age with
male and female bears sexual maturity
is highly variable, between species.

Did You Know?

Bears can
eat up to 15% of their body
weight in one day.

Life Span: Most bear species can
live to the age of 30.

Social Structure: Bears are solitary
creatures except when mating or rearing
young.

Athleticism: Bears are large bulky
creatures, and though their gait is considered
awkward they are still agile and able to
climb and move quickly, running at speeds
of up to 30 miles an hour. Many bear species
are also powerful swimmers.